Traffic accidents can have a big impact on your life. In a serious crash, you could suffer a brain injury. This can be anything from a mild concussion to a devastating bleed. It’s important that anyone who hits their head or who suffers an impact immediately seeks medical care so that the severity of the injury can be determined.
When you seek medical care, you may need to go through several tests. Your medical provider may:
- Perform diagnostic imaging tests such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging or X-ray scans
- Perform a physical exam
Once your medical provider identifies how serious the injury is, they will decide on a treatment plan for you. In an emergency, some people who have suffered brain injuries may require surgery to reduce pressure on the brain. This can include removing a portion of the skull to make room for swelling.
If this all sounds costly and complex, you’re right to think so. A brain injury can cost thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars when you consider all the care that will be needed now and in the future. It’s estimated that traumatic brain injuries cost the United States approximately $76.5 billion annually in direct and indirect medical expenses.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, it’s important to know your rights. If an at-fault driver was responsible for these injuries, it is fair for you to seek compensation that will cover medical care, lost wages and other expenses and financial losses, both in the short term and long term.